Racers will kick off Walter's Run today

For three very good reasons, late tomorrow morning scores of people -- young and old alike -- will be running, walking, or rolling their wheelchairs through the streets in the vicinity of the West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA.

The three good reasons for the annual pre-Christmas neighborhood event are: Globe Santa, the YMCA Reach Out campaign, and the Walter Burgess Scholarship Fund.

If weather predictions hold up, the day will be partly sunny with temperatures in the upper 30s, which should be good for both participants and the scores of spectators expected to cheer the runners along the race route.

The event, now known as Walter's Run 2005, includes a 5K run and walk hosted by the Parkway Running Club and the West Roxbury/Roslindale YMCA. There is also a 1K race for youngsters.

For nine years, the event was called ''the Santa Scamper," with money raised going to the YMCA and Globe Santa.

The name change resulted from the establishment of a scholarship fund in the memory of Walter D. Burgess, who was a major contributor to the success of the Parkway Running Club. Burgess died in November 2003 at age 40. At the time, he was the club secretary and editor of the club's newsletter.

The announcement of this year's run and walk included a tribute to Burgess that said, in part:

''He was an amazing athlete, forever working out either at the Y, on his bike or running on the roads. More importantly, Walter was an incredible friend and inspiration. He was always there to run the slower members into the finish line, to organize the marathon long runs or group ski trips, to cheer others on, or to give us a big smile after a training run or race no matter the length."

Burgess died shortly after completing the Great Floridian Ironman Triathlon.

This year's race will be dedicated to ''Walter Burgess, friend, inspiration, ironman."

The program begins at 10:45 a.m., when the walkers start their trek. Five minutes later, the 1K race for youngsters begins, and then the 5K run starts at 11 a.m.

Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the events at the YMCA on Quinn Street.

Registration for all the events will continue up until tomorrow morning. For further information, call the YMCA at 617-323-3200, ext. 412, or visit www.parkwayrunning.org.